AFAP great way to see quality of life change

By Monica Wood, Fort Sill FMWRJune 5, 2014

FORT SILL, Okla. -- "Tell us what you want" is the theme for this year's issue submission for the fiscal 2015 Army Family Action Plan conference.

Issue boxes will be out in June, conveniently located on- and off-post. Some locations are the Armed Services YMCA, Army Community Services, Child, Youth and School Services (CYSS), the Soldier and Family Assistance Center/Warriors in Transition Center, all three post fitness centers, the RecPlex, Twin Oaks Bowling Center, Nye Library, the Welcome Desk at Reynolds Army Community Hospital, the Main Exchange and the commissary.

The clearly marked gray and black boxes will be picked up in mid-September to prepare for this year's conference, which is Oct. 21-23 at the Patriot Club.

"If you want to submit your quality of life issue in writing, stop by one of these locations and fill out the submission form," said Merilee Nevins, Army Family Action Plan program manager. "If you prefer to submit your issue on the Internet, log in to www.myarmyonesource.com, click on family programs and services and then AFAP issue management system. The third option is to fax or email the issue to me at merilee.k.nevins.civmail.mil."

When submitting issues at one of the boxes, an example form shows what information to provide to ensure delegates can address them effectively, said Nevins.

Customer service concerns should be submitted through the Interactive Customer Evaluation.

"All issues submitted will be addressed whether through the AFAP or the appropriate organization," Nevins said. "The AFAP intent is still to provide a venue to hear the voice of the customer."

More than 30 years of grassroots advocacy underscores the AFAP's relevance and importance. At its core, is an opportunity for Soldiers, family members, survivors, retirees and civilians across all Army components to identify, prioritize and elevate quality of life issues to senior leaders for action and resolution.

Information provided through the AFAP process gives commanders and leaders insight into quality of life needs of Army constituents.

Leadership uses the information to implement changes that improve standards of living and support programs. These changes foster a satisfied, informed and resilient Army community.

According to the AFAP organizers, over 90 percent of AFAP issues are identified and resolved at the local level. More than 61 percent of the issues worked at Department of the Army level impact all service branches.

Of the 28 issues that were submitted for last year's conference, nine were elevated to Headquarters, Department of the Army, five are still active and 14 have been completed.

Additional rowing machines added to post gyms, lane designation signs for the Fort Sill Boulevard and Sheridan Road intersection, and a child care fee discount for CYSS employees are just a few of the issues that have been worked and completed this year.

Delegate registration occurs through individual units or organizations.

For more information, call Nevins at 580-442-2039/2382 or fax issues to 580-442-7617.